Dog left on 'scorching' ute tray rescued by police

POLICE are warning pet owners that life or death comes down to a matter of minutes after a man was charged with animal cruelty for leaving his dog to roast on the back of a ute in the middle of the day.

The Clifton man left his Ridgeback-cross stranded on a hot aluminium tray without shade or water on Palmerin St on Tuesday.

A concerned member of the public watched the dog become more and more distressed in the 35 degree heat and contacted police who rushed to its aid.

Warwick general duties constable Ben Lyell said the dog was lucky to be OK.

"It's very confronting for members of the public to witness. Everyone cares about animals," Const Lyell said.

"As a police officer it would be nice not to have to go to these things, it's just not nice to see."

Const Lyell said owners often intended to leave their pets for a few minutes but lost track of time.

"Vehicles can heat up in a matter of minutes on a hot day like that and the animals can't cope," he said.

Local veterinary nurse and wildlife carer Pascale Farrow said the effects of overheating could be irreversible if left too long.